Middle East

　 Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) issued its 9th sell tender since the start of the US-Iran war. ADNOC in the tender offered Das, Upper Zakum and Umm Lulu for October to November loading, or October to December arrival. The tender will close on Aug 24, with validity until Aug26. ADNOC in the previous tender closed on Aug 13 sold a total of 14.00 million barrels for October to November loading, or October to November arrival as reported.

Africa/Europe/Russia/America

　 In trade for US grades, end-users in Asia kept buying WTI Midland. Thailand's Bangchak Petroleum purchased WTI Midland for mid-October arrival on Thursday. Although the price was not disclosed, the seller was believed to be European Vitol. With competing Abu Dhabi Murban prices having jumped recently, US light crude, including WTI Midland, became more attractively priced. In addition, improving middle-distillate refining margins boosted the market's valuation of WTI Midland.

Asia Pacific

　 In trade for October-loading Malaysian grades, state-owned Petronas awarded a Labuan sell tender to Thailand's PTT. Although the awarded price was not disclosed, PTT appeared to have submitted a competitive bid. The tender, which closed on Thursday evening, was limited to selected participants. This marks the second consecutive month that Petronas has sold Labuan on a spot basis.